Is Stress Stealing Your Focus and Vitality? Not in 2025! Let’s Fix That.

Reclaim Your Energy, Reignite Your Purpose. 3 Simple solutions that you can take action on immediately. 

Success often comes with a hefty price tag: long hours, endless demands, and the pressure to constantly deliver. For CEOs, business owners and founders especially, the grind doesn’t stop, but your energy often does. 

We don’t need more tools to help us work longer and harder or "fit more into our day", we actually need to consider how to work smarter and in optimal zones. 

Recent research reveals that nearly 70% of leaders report chronic fatigue, and 57% say stress impacts their decision-making and focus. Yet, here’s the paradox: you can’t lead effectively if your health and vitality are constantly on the back burner.

I’m not saying anything new here, but what I will say is categorically - we need to do more than treat the symptoms of stress, fatigue and burn out. You are the answer to that by thinking about a “360 CEO Mindset” - personal and business life require the same consideration. 

I'm on an absolute mission to instil this sustainable success approach for values led leaders The ripple effect means the culture of healthy, wealthy and wise - with conscious decision making and accountability will naturally flow through any organisation when executed correctly. 

Lead by example. 

The Reality: Burnout isn’t a badge of honour. It’s a sign that something needs to change. As someone who has worked with leaders for over two decades, I can assure you: sustainable success is not about working harder—it’s about working smarter.

Vitality isn’t just about feeling good; it’s a deliberate strategy to unlock your peak performance while protecting your greatest resource: your energy and your health.

How to Reclaim Your Energy, Health and Drive

1. Reclaim Your Mornings - early mornings are my non negotiable. 

Your morning sets the tone for the entire day. But too often, it’s hijacked by emails, meetings, and reacting to the world around you. 

The most successful leaders protect this sacred time. I get up at 5 and do a walk/run with the dog and coffee, if I’m travelling it’s still the same routine, just without Max the dog. 

My day usually starts pretty early work wise due to different time zones with clients, so this 1-2 hours prior means I get uninterrupted ME time, set my game plan up for the day and ensure my mindset is right. Especially if I’m running a high level leadership session, coaching 1:1 or working with an Executive Team on something critical.

"Yes but I'm a night owl?"

I know we all have biorhythms and some people work better at night time. But it is clinically proven that earlier to sleep and earlier to rise is cognitively better for you and reduces stress. 

According to the Sleep Foundation - those who shifted their sleep schedules earlier by about two hours reported lower levels of depression and stress compared to those who did not shift their sleep schedules.

So how can you make some minor adjustments and start seeing some positive impact?

• Start Strong: Begin with a 10-minute mindset reset—no screens, just intentional reflection or journaling.
• Move First: Incorporate a short workout or stretch session to boost circulation and mental clarity. Don't laugh: but 10 star jumps, 10 push ups and 10 sit ups done correctly kick start your body, mind and oxygenates your blood. 5mins and you're done. Really there are no excuses. There are many variations to do based on abilities as well. 
• Fuel Right: Avoid heavy, processed breakfasts. Opt for a protein-packed or nutrient-rich option to energise without crashing. The closer food is to it's natural source the better it is for you. Like any important meeting or product launch you don't go in unprepared, why would you treat your body with last minute options?  

Action Step: Commit to one change in your morning routine this week. Even a small shift can build momentum. 

• Interested in those simple exercises or ideas for quick recipes and need variation? Please reach out on the email below and I can share some of the hundreds of fitness videos from my years as Head Trainer of Women's Health & Fitness Magazine and founder of Life's A Gym. Where there's a will there is a way. Plus recipes from Vitality are 10min prep time and usually 3-4 ingredients max. 

2. Conduct an Energy Audit - Your Life P&L or what I call The Vitality Bank©* Think of your energy as a bank account. Every task, meeting, and decision is either a deposit or a withdrawal.

• Deposits: Activities or habits that leave you feeling refreshed and motivated (e.g., creative projects, meaningful conversations, time outdoors, knowing your personal finances, good healthy food during the day, limit alcohol, a good team and structure so you're effective with your own time, weekends to you and family/friends, fitness goals and consistent activity).
• Withdrawals: Obligations or distractions that deplete your energy (e.g., back-to-back meetings, unnecessary tasks, or energy-draining people, drinking, lack of sleep, stressed about bills and finances, overworked and chasing the day or trouble shooting work issues where there is lack of trust in staff and this eats into your weekend or personal time).

Action Step: Write down your biggest energy drainers and strategise ways to minimise or delegate them. Simultaneously, identify energising activities to prioritise.

3. Optimise Nutrition and Movement Leaders often sacrifice physical health for productivity, but the two are deeply intertwined. 

You don’t need to overhaul your diet or hit the gym for hours daily. Small, consistent changes have the greatest impact. 

I know this works. Micro shifts create momentum, build confidence you can do and create results. I've written 3 books about it. Ask me anything, if you feel you can't crack the code yet but you "know" what you should be doing - PLEASE reach out. 

So: 

• Nutrition Hacks: Prep healthy snacks and meals in advance to avoid reaching for junk food when busy. Hydrate consistently throughout the day. You're an athlete at work. Act like one :)
• Movement Breaks: Integrate micro-movement sessions, like a 10-minute walk or even desk stretches, to keep your energy levels stable. Don't stay sitting. U
• For example, I do a bunch of 'walk and talks' and if you need inspiration have a listen here to my interview with Ultra Marathon Runner and Time Magazines fittest man on the planet - Dean Karnazes. He is fantastic.

Action Step: Schedule a “movement break” into your calendar this week. Treat it as non-negotiable as a board meeting.

The Transformation? 

Imagine waking up with energy, approaching your day with clarity, and ending it feeling accomplished—not exhausted. The difference lies in reclaiming control over how you spend your energy and ensuring that your daily habits align with your long-term goals. This is what I want for more people. 

Stress may be inevitable, but burnout doesn’t have to be. By reclaiming your mornings, auditing your energy, and making simple yet effective changes to your routine, you can thrive—not just survive.

Your energy is your greatest asset. Protect it.

PS: I've gone and got all serious about follow through and created a fun little 21 day GSD challenge on our app. Starts Jan 21 but you can take advantage of the ridiculously value packed full annual membership offer just for Jan. It's $47 and it's everything inc. GET THAT NOW. 

Quick tools:

Get the free PDF from last weeks CEO of your Life blog here. Free Founder Fitness GSD download here.

 For more tools, tips, and proven strategies, grab my book Vitality, Fitpreneur or Radical Self Belief today and start operating at your peak. Your future self will thank you. App and trio bundle specials avail. 

Nikki Fogden-Moore is an award winning globally recognised leadership and mindset coach, bestselling author of Fitpreneur: How to Be the CEO of Your Life as Well as Your Business, Radical Self Belief, and Vitality. She is the creator of the Boardroom Retreat© and the ACCELER8TE app. With two decades of experience empowering CEOs, founders, and high-performing teams, Nikki’s mission is to redefine sustainable success by blending personal well-being with professional performance.

Known for her punchy, no-nonsense approach, Nikki helps leaders master work-life blend, navigate overwhelm, and build scalable solutions for growth. Helping values-led leaders get to the top and stay there.

Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey or inspire your teams to find a deeper sense of self belief, confidence and initiative? Book Nikki for keynote speaking, executive coaching, or join her retreats designed to unlock your full potential.

📧 Reach out at [email protected] 🌐 Explore more at www.nikkifogdenmoore.com 📲 Download the ACCELER8TE app for tools to transform your life and business. APP store and Google Play. ACCELER8TE!